Romania travel guide

Located in Eastern Europe, Romania is the country that started to develop its tourism through its beautiful, rural and traditional villages with natural landscapes, such as Maramures, which makes you feel like stepping back in time. Dracula's legend with Bran Castle and the stunning medieval fortresses and castles are as well top-rated attractions in Romania, so make sure you include them in your itinerary when you are planning your trip to Romania. 

Deemed Europe's last wilderness, Romania stands out with its unspoiled natural landscapes, with villages that will make you feel as stepping back in time, with an energetic glow and creativity.

Traveling to a new country can be scary, especially if you barely know anything about it. But fear not; our Romania Travel  Guide will guide you through all the things you need to know before you book your trip and visit Romania – from weather and currency to famous landmarks and other travel tips and practical information.

Romania's tourism started to grow as the country began to develop and invest more in tourism activities, hospitality, and infrastructure. Tourism in Romania is increasing slowly, and as a tourist in Romania, you can be sure that the time you spend here will be unique. 

Table of content

A.Common questions before visiting Romania

B. How to get around in Romania?

C. Romania travel tips

D. What is Romania best known for?

E. Why contact a Romania travel agency?

F.Trips and tours in Romania

A.Common questions before visiting Romania

Where is Romania?

Romania is an Eastern European Country that is part of the EU (European Union). Finding Romania on the map is quite easy, and you just have to look for the most obvious geographical landmarks such as the Carpathian Mountains, the Black Sea, the Danube River, and the Danube Delta. Often referred to as Dracula's country, if you are eager to travel across Romania is not difficult at all to find its location and its whereabouts. 

What language is spoken in Romania?

Our official language is Romanian; a Romance language evolved from several Latin dialects. According to the Foreign Service Institute, it is one of the easiest languages to learn in the world. But don't worry, because you won't have a hard time getting along with Romanians. Most of the young population speaks English (around 31% of the total population). While the older generations might not understand much in English, many of them are French-speaking (23% of the population).

Essential Romanian phrases

Romanian pronunciation is very phonetic. The accents and sounds are very similar to Italian, and most of the time, the pronunciation is the same for each letter. Romanian also has a lot of words imported from English, French, Italian, and German, and that is why it is usually rather easy to understand. Some examples include Hospital (Spital), Police (Poliția), and Pharmacy (Farmacie).

Here are some basic words and phrases that will help you communicate better.

EN: Hello! RO: Salut!	EN: Nice to meet you. RO: Îmi pare bine.	EN: I'm sorry. RO: Îmi pare rău.
EN: How are you? RO: Ce faci?	EN: Please. RO: Te rog.	EN: Good evening. RO: Bună seara.
EN: Fine, thank you. RO: Bine, mulțumesc.	EN: Thank you! RO: Mulțumesc.	EN: Yes. RO: Da.
EN: What is your name? RO: Cum te numești?	EN: I'm sorry. RO: Îmi pare rău.	EN: No. RO: Nu.

Do I need a visa to travel to Romania if I am not an EU citizen?

Americans, Canadians, as well as citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and most of the non-EU countries do not need an entry visa to travel to Romania for stays shorter than 90 days. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the Romanian Embassy to obtain a visa. The complete details about visa requirements can be found here. 

All European driver licenses, as well as U.S. and Canadian, are valid for driving in Romania for 90 days from the date of entry into Romania.

Entering and leaving Romania is free, and no travel tax is charged. For more information, please visit GOV.RO. 

What is the currency of Romania?

Although Romania is a European Union member, the official Romanian currency is the Romanian Leu. The international abbreviation is RON. It is valued at around €0.21 or $0.25. The Romanian currency cannot be bought from abroad. If you want to exchange foreign currency in RON, it is best to find a local exchange office or a bank that displays 0% commission. In general, exchange offices located at the airport or near railway stations are more expensive. For money exchange we recommend you to use exchange offices or banks.

What timezone is Romania in?

Romania is in the Eastern European Time Zone (UTC+02:00), meaning we are 2 hours ahead of the Coordinated Universal Time. Romania also uses daylight saving time, so during the summer, we are using UTC+03:00.

What's the weather like in Romania?

The weather in Romania can vary a lot, so be mindful of the period in which you are traveling. Summers in Romania are quite hot, with temperatures smoothly going over 35° C, and dropping as low as -20° C during winters. The precipitations are quite modest, with spring being the driest season of all, but with thunderstorms and showers being quite common during the summer. During winter, there are usually heavy snowfalls, but most of the time, they start closer to the end of the season.

What is internet access like in Romania?

The Internet is widely available in Romania. Most of the hotels, restaurants, cafes, pubs, shopping centers, and even some stores provide free wi-fi access. You'll only have to ask for the password. According to a top made by Akamai in 2017, Romania ranks the 13th country in the world when it comes to internet speed and the 3rd in Europe, with the average Internet peak connection at 73.6 Mbit/s.

The supply voltage is 220V, 50Hz, and the electricity plugs supported in Romania are CEE 7/4, CEE 7/16, and CEE 7/17.

There are three big providers of mobile communication in Romania: Orange, Vodafone, and Telekom. The smallest price for a prepaid phone card with 5 euro credit is almost 30 lei (€6 – 6.5) from one of those three providers. There are no public telephones in Romania, and the dialing code of the country is +40.
What payment methods can I use?

The most widely used payment method in Romania is by cash. But most businesses also accept credit card payment. The main credit cards accepted in Romania are Visa International, EuroCard/MasterCard (EC/MC), Europay International, and America Express.

But if you're looking to use your credit card in rural settlements, you might find it a bit difficult, so we suggest keeping some cash around.

Is Romania expensive for tourists?

We like to think no, but we'll let you decide. Here are some prices that you will usually encounter. This list should help you get a better idea of what travel budget you will need.

• A cup of coffee – 8-10 lei (€1.75 – €2.15)

• A glass of beer – between 4 and 10 lei (€0.9 – €2.15)

• A glass of wine – 13 lei (€2.8)

• Pack of cigarettes – 15 lei (€3.2)

• 1 km for a taxi – between 2 and 2.5 lei (€0.44 – €0.55)

• Public transportation ticket – between 2 and 5 lei (€0.43 – €1.1)

• One film ticket costs approximatively 26 lei (€5.7)

• A small pizza – 25 lei (€5.5)

• Dinner at a nice restaurant – around 110 lei (€24)

Tipping in Romania

Tipping is pretty common in Romania, mainly to service workers such as taxi drivers, tour guides, waiters, or hotel staff. Usually, a tip of around 10% is sufficient, but feel free to tip more for excellent service.

At restaurants, the tip is usually not included in the bill.
Is Romania safe for tourists?

Absolutely. Romania is one of the safest countries in the world, according to the # index. That doesn't mean that you should be reckless with your personal belongings. In group or solo travel, you should always be wary of pickpocketers and beggars, as pickpocketing is one of the most common crimes in Romania. We also suggest making sure that the driver has the taximeter running, so they won't rip you off on the price for the fare.

You will also encounter a lot of stray dogs, but most of them are harmless, so there's no need to be scared. Although, if you see large packs of stray dogs (e.g., more than 5 or 6), it would probably be for the best to avoid them.

If you want to read more about safety in Romania, we covered this in our article, Is Romania safe?  , so be sure to check it out.

Traveling to Romania doesn't require any immunization due to the lack of infections and poisonous insects. But we highly recommend getting health or travel insurance before visiting us. Better safe than sorry.

During COVID crises, we recommend watching global health advisory for the last updates.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

Usually, the tap water is considered safe to drink in Romania. But be careful about the waters found in fountains. You should never drink it without purifying or boiling it first unless assured that it's safe to drink by a guide or the local authority.

What number should I dial in case of an emergency?

If you have an emergency, you can call 112 from any phone, even if you don't have a sim card.

What are the working hours & Public holidays in Romania?

• Banks: 9 am – 5 pm.

• Malls: 10 am – 10 pm.

• Drugstores: 8 am – 9 pm from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, they are usually open until 4 pm, and most of them are closed on Sundays, but every city has at least one drug store that is open 24/7.

• Cafes, restaurants, and other eat&drink places: 9 am – 10 pm from Monday to Friday and 11 am – 24 pm during weekends. Some local places stay open until the last client, but the program usually varies depending on the restaurant policy.           

• Supermarkets: 7 am – 10 pm. There are also several supermarkets with a 24h program.

There are a few public holidays when Romanians have the day off, and banks, public offices, and many private businesses are closed. The holidays are:

• 1st and 2nd of January 24th January – Union Day

• 1st and 2nd day of Easter (16th and 17th of April for 2017)

• May 1st - Labor Day

• 1st and 2nd day of Whitsuntide (4th and 5th of June for 2017)

• August 15th – Assumption of the Virgin Mary

• November 30th – Saint Andrew

• December 1st - Romania's National Day

• 25th and 26th December - 1st and 2nd day of Christmas

A little bit about Romanian cuisine

If we were to describe Romanian cuisine in one word, that word would be diverse. Many cultures have influenced the Romanian food, and somehow it managed to blend all of those tastes beautifully while maintaining its characteristics. Romania shares many foods with the other Balkan Countries and with other countries in Eastern Europe such as Moldova and Ukraine.

The main meat used in Romanian cuisine is pork.  The Romanians even have a tradition called Ignat, right before Christmas, when rural families usually slaughter a pig to prepare traditional Christmas foods such as cârnați (sausages), caltaboș, tobă, tochitură (pork stew), piftie, or jumări (pork greaves). And while we're talking about Christmas foods, the best way to serve them is with a small glass of our traditional home-made drink, palinka.

We also have a wide variety of soup dishes, which can be made from meat and vegetables, tripe, or fish, in various combinations. As Lonely Planet mentions, the Romanian food reflects perfectly the agrarian roots and complicated history of the country. 

B. How to get around in Romania?
Airports in Romania

There is a total of 16 airports in Romania's cities, out of which the most important are:

• "Henri Coandă" International Airport, Bucharest - OTP

• "Avram Iancu" International Airport, Cluj-Napoca - CLJ

• Iași International Airport, Iași - IAS

• "Traian Vuia" International Airport, Timișoara - TSR

• Bucharest's "Henri Coandă" International Airport, also known as Otopeni Airport, is Romania's most significant and busiest airport. It has 72 international destinations and six domestic destinations. The airport connects Bucharest to numerous critical European cities, as well as Romania's most important regions.

Public transportation

Public transportation is usually cheap, with tickets costing somewhere between 2 and 5 lei (€0.43 – €1.1).

Taxis & car rentals

Taxis are also available for around 2-2.5 lei/km (€0.44 – €0.55), depending on the city. Car rentals are available in most cities, and prices vary in each location.

C. Romania travel tips

 What's the best time to visit Romania?

What are the best places to visit in Romania?

What's the best time to visit Romania?

To be honest with you, it's hard to pick the best time to visit Romania. All seasons have their ups and downs, so it really comes down to your holiday preferences. Winter is a lovely time to visit Romania, as there are plenty of activities and experiences to choose from. Since Romania is a country that still lives up to its tradition, this is probably the best season to explore its cultural heritage by discovering its Christmas traditions and not only.

When it comes to winter sports, Sinaia is one of the most extensive resorts in Romania. With mountain ridges as tall as 2000 meters and numerous authorized ski slopes. In case you didn't know, in Sinaia, you will also find the beautiful Peleș Castle. The former residence of the Romanian royal family. But since the Carpathian Mountains cover almost a third of Romania's surface, you can be sure that there's more than just one resort for winter sports. Close to Sibiu, you will also find Păștiniș, the oldest ski resort in Romania. If you are near Brașov, you can't miss one of the best resorts for skiing and snowboarding in Romania, Poiana Brașov. One last thing that we want to mention is that you can also practice other winter sports which don't require as much practice as skiing and snowboarding. If you wish to just ride a sleigh down a slope or try snow tubing, you can do that as well.

If you're planning to visit Romania during the summer, the lovely weather can make up for some unusual outdoor activities. You can go biking around Transylvania's villages with fortified churches, hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, rafting on the rough waters of Jiu River, birdwatching in the Danube Delta, or exploring the Black Sea Coast. Another great way to take advantage of the warmer seasons is taking a trip to some of Romania's best-preserved traditional villages such as Viscri or Breb and getting to know the locals, their cultures, and their traditions.

What are the best places to visit in Romania?

 

Talking about touristic points of interest, even though there are hundreds of landmarks in Romania, there are some that should be at the top of your list. But we will not talk about specific touristic attractions such as the Painted Monasteries of Bukovina or Transylvania's Villages with Fortified Churches, the wooden churches of Maramures, Corvin Castle, the Vanatori Neamt Natural Park, Romania's National Parks, and the fairy tale medieval towns. Instead, we will cover the main Romanian cities that are worth visiting, as they are the perfect departure location to visit the before-mentioned landmarks.

 

The best cities to visit in Romania:

1. Brașov, Romania

Located in the heart of Romania, at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Brașov is a city that was built in 1211 by the Teutonic Knights. However, the oldest traces of human settlements in the area date back to 9500 BC.

Brasov is located in central Romania, at about 166 Km. from Bucharest. It is well known for being a commercial hub at the trade roads between East and West. Brasov has quite an excellent local transportation network; also, it has a regular bus line for Poiana Brasov. The railway station is also a quite busy link hub, with trains arriving and leaving nationally and internationally.

 The cultural mixture and medieval architecture turned Brasov into a beautiful medieval town, impressing every tourist that visits the city. Some of the tourist landmarks that you have to visit in Brasov are the Black Church, The White and the Black Tower, Strada Sforii (Rope Street), and the city center.

Brasov has to offer more as it is in the vicinity of numerous Romanian landmarks such as Peles Castle, located in Sinaia at 48 km from Brasov, Bran Castle, situated in the Bran Village at 25 km from Brasov, Rasnov Fortress, at around 20 km from Brasov.

Some of the top attractions of the city are the Black Church, the city's main square (also known as Council Square), the Rope Street -one of the narrowest streets in Europe, The Black Tower, The White Tower, Cetățuia Brașovului. A tour of Bran Castle will help you discover all the details of Dracula's legend, Vlad the Impaler, as well as the connection between the castle and Bram Stoker's Count Dracula. From Brașov, you can also take a trip to the Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești, a natural reservation where you can adopt a bear.

The city also has numerous gastronomic places that you can choose from. You can try some local food at restaurants such as La Ceaun, Restaurant Sergiana, or just have a sample of modern Mediterranean, Italian and European cuisine at restaurants such as Dei Frati, Prato, Trattorian Artisan Food.

2. Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest, the capital city of Romania and by far the biggest city in the country, is an exceptional tourist destination encompassing monumental buildings of communist architecture, national museums and squares, and parks. The capital city, also known as "Little Paris," is by far the center of Romanian culture and art. Bucharest succeeds in combining the architectural style of the interbellum and communist periods with elements of modern architecture, and one of the best ways to observe all of these is by taking a walking tour through Bucharest's Old Town. Other famous attractions in Bucharest are the Palace of the Parliament (also known as People's Palace) and the Spring Palace, the former residence of Romania's communist leader, Nicolae Ceaușescu.  In the times before WWII, the earthquake from 1977 and the communist regime took down most of the city's Art-Nouveau style architecture and buildings. 

If you want to explore Romania's capital Bucharest check out our Bucharest City Tour, and if you would like to learn more about the Romanian Communist period, check out our Bucharest Communist Tour. 

For tours in Romania, Bucharest is oftentimes looked at as the best starting point, as for Henri Coanda International Airport (the busiest airport in Romania as per passenger traffic). The city also has the largest public transport system in Romania. It also has very good national and international railway connections.

3. Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Cluj Napoca is the heart of Transylvania and a perfect place to start your journey, the place considered by Lonely Planet travel advisory as one of the best places to keep the safe distance after pandemic. The main landmarks of the city are Cluj-Napoca Botanical Garden, Visit St. Michael's Church, Central Park, and the Old Town Hall. Cluj has more to offer other than the cultural heritage and landscapes. Being one of the largest student cities in Romania, Cluj is filled with unique cafes and pubs, and it is a popular location for music festivals such as the UNTOLD Festival.

If you find yourself in Cluj Napoca, make sure to take a walking tour around the Union Square and the Botanical Garden, and take some photos on Mirror Street. Also, don't even think about skipping a trip to Turda Salt Mine, one of the best underground theme parks in Europe, or to the stunning Alba Carolina Fortress.

If you plan to start your trip to Romania from Cluj, just check if Cluj-Napoca International Airport has your nearest airport on the list.  To get to Bucharest from Cluj by car, the best option would be to the roads E60 or E81.

4. Iași, Romania

Iași, the city of romance. Famous for its romantic parks and vibrant culture, this city is located in the historical region of Moldavia, in northeastern Romania. The symbol of the city is by far the Palace of Culture, which is also known as the Moldova National Museum Complex, hosting the Art Museum, Moldavia's History Museum, the Ethnographic Museum of Moldavia, and the Science and Technology Museum. Iasi is home to the oldest Romanian university, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, and to the first engineering school, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University. 

Iasi is one of the major cities in Romania. The city also has been the capital city of the United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia from 1859 to 1862, and the capital city of Romania from 1916 to 1918.

The city is home to the oldest national theatre and one of the most prestigious theatrical institutions in Romania, the "Vasile Alecsandri" National Theatre. Around Iași, you can take a trip to the Bucium Relay Platform, a spot that offers a great view of the city, and you can visit several recreational parks such as Ciric or Hamak. For any tourist info, you can easily reach the Tourist information center in Iasi, which is located across Piata Unirii (Unirii Square Iasi) or book ahead one of our Iasi city tours or tours from Iasi.

Being one of the main cities of Moldavia, Iasi is oftentimes used as a departure city for tours to the numerous historical sites in this region. You can depart from Iasi to locations such as the Painted Monasteries of Bukovina, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Marginea Black Pottery Workshop, or the Neamt Citadel.

To get to Iasi from Bucharest, you can do so by booking a flight with Tarom or BlueAir. For any information regarding a direct flight to Iasi from your location make sure to check Iasi International Airport.

5. Sibiu, Romania

The city of Sibiu, Romania, with its very well preserved medieval town, featured in Forbes "Europe's Most Idyllic Places To Live" article. The city acquired the title of the European Region of Gastronomy in 2019 and hosted a food culture festival in September 2019. Other notable events that Sibiu hosts are the Christmas market and the Astra Film Festival. While in Sibiu, you should visit the Brukenthal Avrig Palace, The ASTRA Museum, and walk around the city on its stone-paved streets. The city is divided in the Upper Town and the Lower Town, connected through the Passage of Steps. In the past, the Upper Town was the rich center of the town, while Tower Town was inhabited by the middle classes.

One of the most important cultural centers in Romania, Sibiu, was designated the European Capital of Culture in 2007, along with Luxembourg. Located in the vicinity of Brașov, Sibiu is defined by its aristocratic elegance and its abundant cultural life.

Walking through the city center reveals several beautiful landmarks such as the Bridge of Lies and the Brukenthal Museum, and we guarantee you will be impressed by the unique rooftops of the city.

From Sibiu, you can easily reach Sinaia, where you can visit Peles Castle. Sibiu is also close to the Păltiniș ski resort and to the ASTRA National Museum Complex, where you can see what the life of the Romanian peasants looked like.

 

D. What is Romania best known for?

1. The Romanian cuisine

2.Its castles

3.The hiking areas in the Carpathian Mountains

4.The wildlife in the Danube Delta

5. The virgin forests in Neamt area

1. The Romanian cuisine

In the Romanian culture, many old customs and traditions have been preserved for centuries. Romanian cuisine is a perfect example of traditional and deliciously prepared dishes.

Romanian cuisine has been influenced across time by numerous nations; however, it also kept some of its original appeals, resulting in a combination of traditional dishes.  In Romanian cuisine, you can find a series of elements from Eastern and Central Europe and also Turkey, Germany, and Greece. While in Romania you have to try at least some of the most popular food. Depending on the zone that you are visiting, you can try dishes such as sarmale, tochitura moldoveneasca, and alivenci for some authentic experiences.

For a traditional and rustic experience of Romania's cuisine, "mamaliga" with "tochitura" (that is usually pork meat) is a frequent choice.  A traditional sweet is "cozonac" that is often eaten around Christmas, and it consists of sweet bread, usually with cocoa, nuts, and Turkish delight.

Around Easter, except the traditional foods based on "miel" (lamb), the traditional sweet meal consists of "pască" (round pie with sweet and aromatic cheese filling).

Tochitură Moldovenească

2. Its castles

Romania is renowned for its medieval castles surrounded by gorgeous natural sceneries and with many legends and stories about them. Some of the Castles in Romania that you have to make sure to visit are Bran Castle, Corvin Castle, Peles Castle, and Rasnov Fortress. 

Corvin Castle is a beautiful Gothic-style construction in Hunedoara.  It was in the 15h century the residence of Iancu de Hunedoara (John Hunyadi).  

Peles Castle, constructed around 1873-1914, has been erected for King Carol I and is a Neo-Renaissance building. It is situated 48 km from Brasov, in Sinaia.

Bran Castle, located in the village of Bran at about 25 km from Brasov, Is an essential Romanian landmark, often known as Dracula's Castle. The castle has also been a royal residence, having to display some of the arts and furniture that belonged to Queen Marie of Romania. In October, here is a huge party dedicated to those how come to spend Halloween in Transylvania. 

Rasnov Fortress, located near Brasov, was built as part of a defense system, situated on a hilltop and the commercial route linking Transylvania and Wallachia.  

The Corvin Castle

3. The Hiking areas in the Carpathian Mountains

The Carpathians are the perfect destination for the people that are looking for an active vacation and want to admire the natural beauty of the country. The Carpathians have considerable diverse wildlife, many national parks and reserves, and many more outdoor activities. Rodnei National Park, Retezat National Park and, Bicaz National Park are only a few of the areas you should visit if you are a mountain enthusiast.

Hiking through the national parks of the Carpathians is a fantastic experience, but besides hiking, you can meet wild animals in controlled environments. Meet the bears of LiBEARty Bear Sanctuary, the biggest brown bear sanctuary in Europe. One hundred sixteen bears were saved and brought here to live peacefully. 

The Carpathian Mountains

4. The wildlife in the Danube Delta

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved Delta in Europe, the Danube Delta is a unique ecosystem that has become a paradise for the numerous species of birds, fishes, and amphibians. While in Romania, explore the Danube Delta and observe the nature in its purest form. 

Danube Delta, one of the most important river deltas in Europe, was formed in more than 10,000 years, and it continues to grow every year. The Delta formed around its three main distribution branches Chilia, Sulina, and Sfantul Gheorghe. Danube Delta has only 10% dry land, the rest of it being the wetlands, and the home of countless bird species, reeds vegetation, and narrow canals.

The Delta has around 5.500 species of flora and fauna. There are also numerous species of fish, such as pike, pike perch, carp, catfish, fishing being one of the main occupations for the inhabitants. While visiting the Delta, you have to try some of the fish specialties that are prepared with local ingredients, especially the fish soup.

The Danube Delta

5. The virgin forests in Neamt area

In the Northern part of Romania, in Neamt County, you can find Neamt-Vanatori Park, also known as the Bison Land. The Bison Land has around 30 bison brought from Europe in Romania as part of the bison reintroduction initiative in this region, supported by the European Commission. 

Together with a ranger, you can go looking for bison that roam freely in the forest or are acclimatizing in the large enclosures.

Bison Land

E. Why contact a Romania Travel Agency?

Traveling solo or in a group, the best way to experience Romania while receiving the most useful information about the places that you visit is with professional guidance. Romanian people are very warm and welcoming towards tourists, and most of the people in urban areas can understand and speak English. Therefore if you plan to travel to the cities in Romania, you should be able to go around just fine. Even if you travel accompanied or on your own if you want to explore the other tourist attractions outside the cities, do it carefully as you can easily get lost. Unfortunately, to get anywhere close to the hidden gems of Romania is not always possible by using public transport.

To avoid getting lost in the countryside, get in touch with a local travel agency prior to traveling to Romania. The best travel itineraries are realized through brainstorming, research, and site inspections that the travel agencies do all the time. Having your vacation planned through an experienced travel agency is recommended as they have all the information for your trip and other useful info, such as travel gear that you may need to access a particular area. Therefore you should benefit from the network, experience, and knowledge of a DMC (Destination Management Company) or tour operator to have the best experience in Romania.

Here are seven steps to help you plan your Romanian vacation
1. Choose your travel agency carefully
Visiting for the first time a new country can be overwhelming, and with so many things to see and do, selecting can be a bit of a pain. There is no doubt that the right travel agency will ease your planning and will offer you the best tips ever. But if you still prefer to plan everything by yourself, keep in mind that having contact with the right agency might be useful in some unexpected situations.

2. Traveling alone or in a group?
Traveling alone in Romania will be something to remember, and for sure, you will return home with a new list of friends. Traveling in a group or with the family has the great advantage of being less expensive. Still, you should pay extra care in choosing the accommodation units or planning the itinerary so that everybody can be pleased.

3. Select a theme for your holiday
It's easier to plan each day of the trip if you set in your mind the priorities. For example, if you are attracted to Dracula's myth, you should choose the Transylvania region and allocate at least two days to visit it. The personality of Vlad Tepes, the son of Vlad Dracul, is related to a few places along with Transylvania and Wallachia. 

4. Rent a car vs. coach
Traveling by coach is by far the most stress-free way of visiting as the route is already established, and the guide will tell you everything you want to find out. But renting a car or a minivan, depending on group size, can be more fun and exciting.

5. Make a top 5 things you want to see and do
It will be a pity to return home and realize that you didn't see a particular place just because you accidentally missed it or forgot it. So, the best thing to do is to make a list and stick to it. Also, on a separate list, note the things you would like to experience in Romania. Our suggestions include tasting sarmale, drinking palinka, painting an egg, and dancing the hora.

6. Choose what kind of accommodation you prefer most
Romanian hotels and guesthouses are ranked according to European laws, which are, in general, respected. According to your budget, you can also get accommodation in hostels or camping sites, but you should not miss the chance of at least one night into o rural guesthouse. Romanian rural hospitality is worldwide famous, and what can be better than trying traditional bio food directly from the source?

7. All-inclusive or not?
All-inclusive is recommended if you are staying several days in the same accommodation unit, if not, resume to breakfast. You should know that meals are in general richer at the guesthouses, and most of the time palinka is on the house.

Now you're set up to plan your Romanian vacation!

F. Trips and tours in Romania

To make your journey in Romania as memorable as possible, we are using our experience and knowledge to plan and make the most exciting, informative, and fun itineraries.

Starting from Bucharest

Our Bucharest Travel Agency prepares amazing tours to exceed all your expectations. Through our agency and with our travel guides, you will receive the best experience in and outside Bucharest. Our Bucharest City Tour includes the Palace of the Parliament and all the best landmarks in the capital city. If you prefer to explore and discover more about the communist period in Romania we have this unique Bucharest Communist Tour 

If you don't have much time on your hands, you can choose a day trip from Bucharest. If you're looking to visit some of the most popular places in Romania, you should check our day trip to Bran Castle, which also includes the Peles Castle and a visit to the medieval city of Brasov. You may also decide on a Transfagarasan road trip, that will take you to the Vidraru Dam and Balea Lake, or a trip to Zarnesti Bear Sanctuary to see the bears and then go to visit Bran Castle.

For a full round experience in Romania, you may also choose a guaranteed departure from Bucharest for the Classic Tour of Romania. This gives you the possibility to visit all its major landmarks, famous castles, historical sights, and all the sightseen tours that you need to discover this beautiful country. You will get to visit beautiful cultural landmarks such as Bran Village and Bran Castle, the Alba Carolina Fortress from Alba Iulia, the medieval city of Sibiu, and the well-preserved villages of Maramures standing on the rolling hills. 

We have prepared something even for those that are interested in Romania as the Dracula's country. If you want to explore the legend of Count Dracula with all the related landmarks and locations that were an inspiration for the vampire legends, we have prepared this eight days Dracula Tour.

For those coming on a river cruising along the Danube river, we can prepare custom tours according with their time and preferences.

Starting from Cluj Napoca

As a Cluj Travel Agency, we have prepared a complete Cluj City Tour for every traveler interested in exploring the city. Cluj has an excellent geographical positioning for trips to everyone that wants to start their trip to Transylvania. Cluj Airport has quite good connections, so make sure to check if you have a direct flight to Cluj. From there, our destinations guide can take you on the beaten path of Transylvania villages spread on the Carpathian Mountains or a trip along the most beautiful road in the world: the Transfagarsan road.